Heroes of the Borderlands: A New DM Guide to Running Caves of Chaos A & B
Art of Character Podcast
2,845 views
The Caves of Chaos are more than a collection of monster lairs. They're a living dungeon where every cave, faction, and encounter connects to something larger.
This video is for Dungeon Masters preparing to run Heroes of the Borderlands, especially those looking for practical guidance on running the opening adventures in the Caves of Chaos.
Rather than simply walking through the adventure, this DM Guide explains how to present the ravine as a living ecosystem, build tension, and run memorable encounters while keeping prep simple. I'll also share light homebrew ideas that stay true to the adventure while making it easier to run at the table.
We'll explore the introduction to the Caves of Chaos, the evil cult that influences the ravine, Cave A (Kobolds), and Cave B (Mephits). Along the way we'll discuss the dragon wyrmling crisis, social encounters, environmental storytelling, the abandoned fortress, the lingering Mimic defense, and practical techniques for pacing, encounter management, and player engagement.
Whether you're running Heroes of the Borderlands for the first time, revisiting the classic Keep on the Borderlands, or looking to become a more confident Dungeon Master, this guide will help you prep faster and run stronger sessions.
If you enjoy Dungeon Master guides, D&D adventure walkthroughs, campaign-building advice, and practical GM tips, consider subscribing for new videos every week.
#dnd #HeroesOfTheBorderlands #DungeonMaster
Buy Heroes of the Borderlands - Amazon Affiliate Link
https://amzn.to/4cT0uUG
Heroes of the Borderlands Series
Best D&D Starter Set Yet? Heroes of the Borderlands Unboxing & Review
Best D&D Starter Set Yet? Heroes of the Bo...
Heroes of the Borderlands Starter Set – How to Get Started (Quick Start Guide)
Heroes of the Borderlands Starter Set – Ho...
Heroes of the Borderlands Character Cards Explained | Quick D&D Guide
Heroes of the Borderlands Character Cards ...
Heroes of the Borderlands: A New DM Guide to Running Caves of Chaos A & B
Heroes of the Borderlands: A New DM Guide ...
Heroes of the Borderlands: DM Guide | Running Caves of Chaos C & D (Nothic & Goblins)
Heroes of the Borderlands: DM Guide | Runn...
Heroes of the Borderlands: DM Guide to Caves of Chaos F, H, & J - Hobgoblins, Bugbears & Gnolls
Heroes of the Borderlands: DM Guide to Cav...
Heroes of the Borderlands: DM Guide to Caves of Chaos E & I (Ogre, Dragon & Minotaur)
Heroes of the Borderlands: DM Guide to Cav...
How do DM D&D Series
How to DM D&D
How to Play D&D Series
Playlist How to Play D&D
Learn D&D Part 1 — What Is Dungeons & Dragons? (5-Minute Beginner Guide): Art of Character How to Play D&D Part 1 — What Is Dungeons ...
Learn D&D Part 2 — D&D Dice Basics: Art of Character How to Play D&D Part 2 — D&D Dice Basics: ...
Learn D&D Part 3 — Free Beginner’s Guide for 2024 5e Basic Rules: Art of Character How to Play D&D Part 3 — Free Beginner’s G...
Top 10 DM Hacks for New Dungeon Masters (You Need to Know) | Art of Character Ep18Top 10 DM Hacks for New Dungeon Masters (Y...
Top 10 Homebrew Rules Every Dungeon Master Should Try (& Players Love): Art of Character Ep20 Top 10 Homebrew Rules Every Dungeon Master...
Top 10 Roleplay & Immersion Tips Dungeon Masters Should Try (& Players Love): Art of Character Ep22 Top 10 Roleplay & Immersion Tips Dungeon M...
Hit that like button!
Tell us what you like or disliked in the comments.
Share with friends!
Social
Discord: discord
Support the Channel Here
Patreon: ArtOfCharacter
Merch Store
https://space-rambler-productions-sho...
Video and Audio Equipment I use. If you like any of my sound or video work, here’s what I use. These are my Amazon Affiliate Links
Sony ZVe10ii Mirrorless Camera - https://amzn.to/44q4xTu
Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E (402965) Black -https://amzn.to/4q7VTBh
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E | Mount Lens/APS-C Format -https://amzn.to/4qdDWl7
OWC Atlas Pro 256GB SDXC UHS-II V60 Media Card - https://amzn.to/3KPp3Gz
Zoom P8 Soundboard - https://amzn.to/4pC3MPH
Rode Podmic - https://amzn.to/44WQuoC
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones - https://amzn.to/4iV159n
Rode ps1 Mic Stand - https://amzn.to/44UBTKo
Pyle Heavy Duty Microphone Stand-Height Adjustable PMKS56 - https://amzn.to/4iRpXyI
SmallRig 35"/90cm Softbox LA-O90 Quick Release Octagon Soft Box for Bowens Mount – COB - https://amzn.to/4rWJRww
Aputure Amaran COB 60X S LED Video Light Bowens Mount,33,300 lux @1m Bi-Color 2700-6500k Photography Studio Lighting - https://amzn.to/4aUZu1c
5 Comments
Yeah I still play the Kobolds as small dog like creatures who hate gnomes.
Should be a strength save to get loose from a sticky mimic.
Yes I totally run with mysterious leaders of this mess.
Often I have adventurers coming across a band of goblins and orcs creatures that normally don't cooperate attacking a merchant wagon train. At the top of a nearby hill you see mysterious cloaked figures directing the assault. They ride away but a seed is planted.
Heroes of the Borderlands: A New DM Guide to Running Caves of Chaos A & B
Art of Character Podcast
2,845 views
The Caves of Chaos are more than a collection of monster lairs. They're a living dungeon where every cave, faction, and encounter connects to something larger.
This video is for Dungeon Masters preparing to run Heroes of the Borderlands, especially those looking for practical guidance on running the opening adventures in the Caves of Chaos.
Rather than simply walking through the adventure, this DM Guide explains how to present the ravine as a living ecosystem, build tension, and run memorable encounters while keeping prep simple. I'll also share light homebrew ideas that stay true to the adventure while making it easier to run at the table.
We'll explore the introduction to the Caves of Chaos, the evil cult that influences the ravine, Cave A (Kobolds), and Cave B (Mephits). Along the way we'll discuss the dragon wyrmling crisis, social encounters, environmental storytelling, the abandoned fortress, the lingering Mimic defense, and practical techniques for pacing, encounter management, and player engagement.
Whether you're running Heroes of the Borderlands for the first time, revisiting the classic Keep on the Borderlands, or looking to become a more confident Dungeon Master, this guide will help you prep faster and run stronger sessions.
If you enjoy Dungeon Master guides, D&D adventure walkthroughs, campaign-building advice, and practical GM tips, consider subscribing for new videos every week.
#dnd #HeroesOfTheBorderlands #DungeonMaster
Buy Heroes of the Borderlands - Amazon Affiliate Link
https://amzn.to/4cT0uUG
Heroes of the Borderlands Series
Best D&D Starter Set Yet? Heroes of the Borderlands Unboxing & Review
Best D&D Starter Set Yet? Heroes of the Bo...
Heroes of the Borderlands Starter Set – How to Get Started (Quick Start Guide)
Heroes of the Borderlands Starter Set – Ho...
Heroes of the Borderlands Character Cards Explained | Quick D&D Guide
Heroes of the Borderlands Character Cards ...
Heroes of the Borderlands: A New DM Guide to Running Caves of Chaos A & B
Heroes of the Borderlands: A New DM Guide ...
Heroes of the Borderlands: DM Guide | Running Caves of Chaos C & D (Nothic & Goblins)
Heroes of the Borderlands: DM Guide | Runn...
Heroes of the Borderlands: DM Guide to Caves of Chaos F, H, & J - Hobgoblins, Bugbears & Gnolls
Heroes of the Borderlands: DM Guide to Cav...
Heroes of the Borderlands: DM Guide to Caves of Chaos E & I (Ogre, Dragon & Minotaur)
Heroes of the Borderlands: DM Guide to Cav...
How do DM D&D Series
How to DM D&D
How to Play D&D Series
Playlist How to Play D&D
Learn D&D Part 1 — What Is Dungeons & Dragons? (5-Minute Beginner Guide): Art of Character How to Play D&D Part 1 — What Is Dungeons ...
Learn D&D Part 2 — D&D Dice Basics: Art of Character How to Play D&D Part 2 — D&D Dice Basics: ...
Learn D&D Part 3 — Free Beginner’s Guide for 2024 5e Basic Rules: Art of Character How to Play D&D Part 3 — Free Beginner’s G...
Top 10 DM Hacks for New Dungeon Masters (You Need to Know) | Art of Character Ep18Top 10 DM Hacks for New Dungeon Masters (Y...
Top 10 Homebrew Rules Every Dungeon Master Should Try (& Players Love): Art of Character Ep20 Top 10 Homebrew Rules Every Dungeon Master...
Top 10 Roleplay & Immersion Tips Dungeon Masters Should Try (& Players Love): Art of Character Ep22 Top 10 Roleplay & Immersion Tips Dungeon M...
Hit that like button!
Tell us what you like or disliked in the comments.
Share with friends!
Social
Discord: discord
Support the Channel Here
Patreon: ArtOfCharacter
Merch Store
https://space-rambler-productions-sho...
Video and Audio Equipment I use. If you like any of my sound or video work, here’s what I use. These are my Amazon Affiliate Links
Sony ZVe10ii Mirrorless Camera - https://amzn.to/44q4xTu
Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E (402965) Black -https://amzn.to/4q7VTBh
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E | Mount Lens/APS-C Format -https://amzn.to/4qdDWl7
OWC Atlas Pro 256GB SDXC UHS-II V60 Media Card - https://amzn.to/3KPp3Gz
Zoom P8 Soundboard - https://amzn.to/4pC3MPH
Rode Podmic - https://amzn.to/44WQuoC
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones - https://amzn.to/4iV159n
Rode ps1 Mic Stand - https://amzn.to/44UBTKo
Pyle Heavy Duty Microphone Stand-Height Adjustable PMKS56 - https://amzn.to/4iRpXyI
SmallRig 35"/90cm Softbox LA-O90 Quick Release Octagon Soft Box for Bowens Mount – COB - https://amzn.to/4rWJRww
Aputure Amaran COB 60X S LED Video Light Bowens Mount,33,300 lux @1m Bi-Color 2700-6500k Photography Studio Lighting - https://amzn.to/4aUZu1c